Enjoy luxury living in a Norfolk, Virginia condo

If you live, have lived, or have visited the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, chances are you have seen the outstanding changes made in Norfolk. Once regarded as a simple Navy town and a stop on the way to the beach or the more historical areas of the state, Norfolk is fast becoming an impressive metropolitan city. A lively cultural calendar, increased interest from major corporations, and the presence of NATO make Norfolk a city to watch in the future, for potential businesses and residences.

If you have never been to Norfolk, or merely drove through on the way to somewhere else, you should definitely consider a stay. Here are just five reasons to love Norfolk.

1) Growing downtown area There used to be a time, friends have told me, when people were reluctant to go downtown, as it had little to offer in the way of shopping and recreation. In the last five years, however, those same people have changed their tunes! Norfolk is steadily developing the downtown area to be more consumer friendly. The MacArthur Center, one of the city's largest shopping complexes, sits in the heart of an area revitalized by incoming boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Buildings on the perimeter are being renovated to accommodate urban, loft living, while corporations headquartered nearby encouraged the influx of employees to become residential neighbors. To have everything within walking distance - goods, services, churches, and recreation - makes Norfolk a very convenient place to live.

2) Sophisticated dining options With the growth of the downtown area, Norfolk is quickly vying other localities in Hampton Roads for dining honors. From nationally-renowned restaurant chains like Shula's Steakhouse to legendary eateries like Doumar's Cones and BBQ, Norfolk has just about every style of cuisine foodies can enjoy. Eclectic fusion dining, cozy coffeehouses, and savory ethnic restaurants await the famished here.

3) Family friendly activities One can only spend so much time at the beach! A trip to Norfolk offers visitors (and residents) many options for family-friendly entertainment. Recent additions to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk have made this park a growing local attraction, while the Waterside complex offers visitor a casual day of food and fun along the Elizabeth River. Nauticus, Norfolk's own nautical museum, gives visitors the opportunity to experience life under the sea and on the deck of the mighty USS Wisconsin.

4) The Norfolk Tides Did you know Norfolk is home to a professional sports team? The Norfolk Tides are AAA baseball at its best! Boasting one of the most beautiful ballparks on the East Coast, the Norfolk Tides are farm team to the New York Mets, and have delighted sports fans for several years. Many former Tides have gone on to successful careers with the MLB, and it is always fun to watch games and see tomorrow's sports stars playing today.

5) Year-round festivals Town Point Park in Norfolk is always busy, hosting festivals throughout the year on grassy lawns overlooking the Elizabeth River. From live jazz and reggae music, celebrations of Virginia wine and lowcountry cuisine, to the annual Fourth of July fireworks, Norfolk knows how to entertain.

The next time you consider a visit to Virginia, come to Norfolk and fall in love with this diverse, growing city.

Kathryn Lively

Norfolk is a cornucopia of various restaurants, shops, and museums. While most of these things can be enjoyed in the day time, many new residents and visitors want to know about the night life or evening social events to enjoy after the work week is over. Here is some insight into some interesting places that can be enjoyed after dark in Norfolk.

Time Lounge

Located on Granby Street as part of the "Granby Street" nightlife, Time Lounge in Norfolk offers drinks, dancing, and revelry. With famous live DJs playing the hottest new songs, Time Lounge offers a party experience like no other. With frequent celebrity sightings, Time Lounge in Norfolk makes every guest feel as though they are in a sophisticated big city nightclub.

BAR Norfolk

Catered to college students, BAR Norfolk offers a dress down party experience with no dress code and a bar to dance on. Live DJs play all of your top 40 hits, and there is a pool table for those who aren't into dancing. Bar food munchies are available to those who want a little more substance than an alcoholic beverage. Ladies are admitted free all night on Thursdays, and it is open from 4PM-2AM daily. BAR Norfolk is really where the party never stops.

Have a Nice Day Café

With the only lighted dance floor in the area, Have a Nice Day Café in Norfolk plays tunes ranging from disco to rock. Claiming that Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights are the most popular times to come out to Have a Nice Day Café, they offer a variety of drink specials and a college night on Thursdays where they play music from the 90's to the present. Cover charge for Have a Nice Day Café starts at 7PM weekdays and at 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The NorVa

The NorVa offers live music, a broad drinking selection, and a good time. Enjoy live music while sipping on your favorite brew. Decorated with collected music memorabilia, The NorVa is also connected to Kelly's Tavern and Backstage Café, a popular local restaurant chain known for its extra large burgers and a casual, inviting atmosphere. Housing up to 1,200 guests, the NorVa has hosted such popular musical artists as Ashlee Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Ringo Starr and James Brown.

This is merely a handful of hot spots available in Norfolk. The nightlife is really something to experience for yourself, as it is unmatched by other Tidewater cities. Do yourself a favor and head out to Norfolk tonight for a fabulous night out.

Robbie Foglia